Easy Pineapple Cake Frosting

Prep: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A luscious pineapple frosting that combines crushed pineapple and vanilla pudding for a tangy, sweet topping. Perfect for summer cakes or special occasions, it pairs well with white or yellow cake layers, adding a moist, flavorful finish that keeps the dessert light and refreshing.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 20 oz. can crushed pineapple (undrained)
  • 5 1/4 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix

Instructions

  1. Mix the crushed pineapple (with juice) into the dry vanilla pudding mix.
  2. Stir until the pudding mix dissolves completely.
  3. Stir in nondairy topping until well combined.
  4. Spread the frosting between the cake layers and on the outside.
  5. Refrigerate the cake after frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream instead of nondairy topping. If you want to reduce sweetness, use less pudding mix or add a pinch of salt to balance flavors. This frosting can also be flavored with a splash of coconut extract for a tropical twist. To make it vegan, ensure your pudding mix is dairy-free and use coconut cream instead of nondairy topping.

Serving Suggestions

This pineapple frosting pairs beautifully with a light vanilla or coconut cake, adding a refreshing tropical flavor. You can also serve it with fresh fruit as a dip or layer it in a parfait with granola. For a fun twist, try it on cupcakes or as a topping for the Punch Bowl Chocolate Mousse Cake for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you've already frosted a cake, keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for the best texture before slicing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Pineapple Cake Frosting contains roughly 64 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

64 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 12g 4% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 135.3mg 6% DV
Potassium 73.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 5.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Calcium 49.5mg 4% DV
Iron 0.1mg
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

While fresh pineapple can be used, it will require juicing and might alter the texture of the frosting. Canned crushed pineapple provides consistent moisture and sweetness, making it easier to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.

How can I make this frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, consider using less instant pudding mix or adding a small pinch of salt to balance the flavors. You can also mix in a little unsweetened yogurt to cut the sweetness while maintaining a creamy texture.

Is this frosting suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, you can easily make this frosting vegan by using dairy-free pudding mix and substituting the nondairy topping with coconut cream or another plant-based whipped topping. Always check ingredient labels to ensure all components are vegan-friendly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →